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Top Prospects: Vazquez, BOS 0:36

2013 MLB.com Top Prospects: Vazquez is an excellent catcher, but his bat remains behind his defense

By Ian Browne
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MLB.com |

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Catcher Christian Vazquez, who is ranked the Red Sox's No. 15 prospect, has some raw power in case you were wondering. The moon shot he hit over the Green Monster beyond JetBlue Park on Thursday afternoon against Boston College might still be rolling around in the player development complex.

But the overall hitting approach is what Vazquez is most focused on.

"Big step forward last year," said manager John Farrell. "Improved average. I think more than anything, when you start to see the walks to strikeouts even out, I think that speaks to his confidence in the box. The ability to be comfortable or remain calm in some of those two-strike situations. He's an exciting looking player, and he took a solid step forward offensively last year."

In 403 plate appearances last year, all but four of them for Double-A Portland, Vazquez had a .376 on-base percentage. That was nearly a 100-point jump from 2012.

"I feel great," Vazquez said. "I was working in the offseason, working with my counts, and working to the middle of the field. I'm getting better every day."

Already known for his cannon arm and his lightning-quick release, Vazquez could round out his development this year and be ready to be a significant part of Boston's catching solution next season.

"I hope so, but I'm going to continue working hard," said Vazquez. "They'll tell me when they call me up. Until then, I'm just going to continue to work hard and give my 100 percent."

Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brownie Points, and follow him on Twitter @IanMBrowne. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.